SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO-AM) Both tears and cheers punctuated the 82nd annual Memorial Day ceremony on the beautiful grounds of the VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls.
Master of Ceremonies, Terry Mayer, Commander of the local Vietnam Veterans of America, choked up as he talked about the sacrifices of those who never made it home.
"Reflect and remember....those who gave the ultimate and supreme sacrifice so that we can sit here today." Mayer went on to tell the crowd that the sign at the Medical Center says it all: "The price of freedom is on display daily - right here."
Mayer pointed out some luminaries in the crowd, including an old, gray-haired man, who had fought in World War II, Korea and in Vietnam. He was given a standing ovation.
The featured speaker was combat veteran, Army Major Chris Mercado. He talked about some of his buddies getting killed by a bomb in Afghanistan when he was on leave, and how it haunted him for years because, he said, he should have been there. Then, he realized that's what Memorial Day is all about.
"They may be lost, but they must not be forgotten. It was left to us, their survivors, to guard their memory and honor their sacrifice with sacred vigilance."
Patriotic music was provided by the Sioux Falls Municipal Band and the Fife and Drums Corps of the EL Riad Shrine Temple. There was a posting of the colors, posting of the wreath at a symbolic grave, and taps and gun salute.